Vol. 404 No. 1
59 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the case of persons (details supplied) has been brought to his attention; if he will outline the action he can take to assist these Irish nationals; if he will raise their case with the Philippine authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
60 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is his intention to visit the Philippines shortly; if so, when; if it will be an official visit; and if he will raise the case of persons (details supplied) with the authorities there.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The persons in question are not living in the Philippines at present.
One of them was interviewed by my Department some months ago. It was explained at the time that the matter was primarily a judicial one and that it is not our practice to intervene in the judicial affairs of other states. The person was advised that it seemed best to seek to resolve the problem by legal means. It was suggested that, as a first step, the persons concerned should consult their legal adviser in this country. Once the persons' case had been referred to the courts in the Philippines, the Department would monitor the situation through our Honorary Consul General in that country.
My Department assured the person that it was available for consultation at all times.
At present I have no plans to visit the Philippines in the foreseeable future.
